would - should

Should and would are often used with similar meanings.

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When would comes after a pronoun, it is not usually pronounced in full. When should has a similar meaning to would, it, too, is not usually pronounced in full after a pronoun. When you write down what someone says, you represent should or would as 'd and add it to the end of the pronoun.

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Should and would have the negative forms should not and would not. The `not' is not usually pronounced in full. When you write down what someone says, you write shouldn't or wouldn't.

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◊ possible situations

You use should or would to say that something is certain to happen in particular circumstances.

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After `I' or `we' you can use either should or would.

I should be very unhappy on the continent.

We would be glad to have money of our own.

If I were Tim, I'd be a bit uneasy.

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After any other pronoun or noun, you use would. You do not use should.

Few people would agree with this as a general principle.

He would be disappointed, but he would understand.

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◊ wishes and requests

You can express a wish by using I should like or I would like.

I should like to live in the country.

...a course of action I would like to follow.

I'd like to be able to help in some way.

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You can say what you do not want by using I shouldn't like or I wouldn't like.

I shouldn't like Amanda to see more of him than is absolutely unavoidable.

I wouldn't like to see that banned.

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You can state a preference by using I would rather or I would sooner.

I would rather stay at home.

I'd rather work in a department store.

I'd sooner walk than do any of these things.

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Note that you do not say `I should rather' or `I should sooner'.

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You can make a request by using I should like or I would like.

I should like a large cutlet, please.

I would like to ask you one question.

I'd like to have a little talk with you.

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You can mention other people's wishes or requests by using would like.

They would like to interview both ladies.

Is there anything special you would like for dinner?

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You do not use `should like' when you are mentioning other people's wishes or requests. You do not say, for example, `He should like to see you'.

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◊ purpose clauses

Should and would are sometimes used in purpose clauses. Should is only used after `I' or `we'.

I bought six cows so that we should have some milk to sell.

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